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KOHIMA — The Angami Students’ Union (ASU) has called for an indefinite bandh targeting the movement of the Assam Rifles (AR) in Angami-inhabited areas, following the alleged physical assault on its president by AR personnel.
Addressing a press conference on Friday evening, the student union said that the incident occurred on Friday afternoon near the AR gate near the Kohima DC office.
The ASU president was reportedly on an important phone call, and parked briefly near the gate, when an AR security guard demanded he moved his vehicle. Despite explaining his situation, the jawan allegedly threatened to deflate the car tyres.
When the president responded that he would park only for a while, the jawan “suddenly hit him, dragged him out of the car, and physically assaulted him”.
The ASU, led by general secretary Vimeyiekho Vitso condemned “the inhuman actions of the jawan” and questioned if the actions reflect the Assam Rifles as “friends or enemies of the hill people”.
Asserting that it would not tolerate such inhumane acts, the student union attributed the incident to the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), which is still in force in the region, and appealed the government of India for its immediate repeal.
Following the incident, ASU officials on arriving at the scene reportedly found the victim with a torn cloth and a bruised face, while the jawans denied any wrongdoing.
To de-escalate the situation and ensure public safety, the ASU initially called for a lightning shutdown of the Kohima town area.
Clarifying that their intention was not to bring inconvenience to the business community or the general public, but to ensure public safety, the ASU apologised for any inconvenience caused.
Meanwhile, the student union has called for an indefinite bandh starting Saturday, prohibiting the movement of the Assam Rifles in the Angami-inhabited areas.
It also demanded that the Assam Rifles identify and punish the jawan responsible for the assault according to “army rules and the law of the land,” within 48 hours, as well as an unconditional public apology from the jawan, along with a report detailing the actions taken.
“Until such time, the Assam Rifles must restrain from moving around the Angami-inhabited areas to avoid any untoward incident,” it said, adding that the bandh is restricted to the armed forces and would not affect civilian activities.
If these demands are not met within the stipulated time, the indefinite bandh on the movement of the Assam Rifles will continue, the union cautioned. However, to avoid any untoward incidents, it expressed hope that the concerned parties would take the demands seriously.
The ASU reiterated that the safety and security of the public remain questionable when even a 'student leader on duty can be manhandled in such a manner.'
It also said that the union would resort to any necessary course of action until its demands are met
After the physical assault, ASU president was taken to the hospital for medical attention, the union informed.
When contacted, the Defence PRO told this newspaper that he was out of station and could not provide any input on the matter.